What is a common sign of pre-eclampsia presenting in a pregnant patient?

What is a common sign of pre-eclampsia presenting in a pregnant patient?

• A. Hyperreflexia
• B. Decreased fetal movement
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Weight loss

Answer: (A)

Hyperreflexia is a common sign associated with pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria during pregnancy. This condition can lead to increased nervous system excitability, resulting in hyperreflexia. When assessing a pregnant patient for signs of pre-eclampsia, healthcare providers look for neurological symptoms such as hyperreflexia as it may indicate central nervous system involvement and escalating severity of the disease. The other potential signs mentioned, such as decreased fetal movement, increased appetite, and weight loss, do not typically correlate with pre-eclampsia. Decreased fetal movement may point to fetal distress or other complications, while increased appetite is generally not associated with the condition. Weight loss is also not a characteristic feature of pre-eclampsia, as the condition often results in weight gain due to fluid retention and edema.

Hyperreflexia is a common sign associated with pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria during pregnancy. This condition can lead to increased nervous system excitability, resulting in hyperreflexia. When assessing a pregnant patient for signs of pre-eclampsia, healthcare providers look for neurological symptoms such as hyperreflexia as it may indicate central nervous system involvement and escalating severity of the disease.

The other potential signs mentioned, such as decreased fetal movement, increased appetite, and weight loss, do not typically correlate with pre-eclampsia. Decreased fetal movement may point to fetal distress or other complications, while increased appetite is generally not associated with the condition. Weight loss is also not a characteristic feature of pre-eclampsia, as the condition often results in weight gain due to fluid retention and edema.